Your payslip shows one number. Reality is different. Factor in UK taxes, commute time, and hidden costs to discover your true hourly wage.
Your earnings and deductions
Hours that count towards work
UK average: 56 minutes
Assumed Rate
£0.00
Gross ÷ Contract Hours
True Hourly Rate
£0.00
After tax & real time
Reality Check
0%
of what you thought
Income in the £100k-£125,140 range loses £1 of Personal Allowance per £2 earned. Effective marginal rate: 60%
Personal Allowance
£0
Extra Tax
£0
Net per £1,000
£0
The spike shows the £100k-£125k Personal Allowance trap.
See how many hours of your life common purchases really cost
Uses 2025/26 UK tax rates including Income Tax bands (with Scottish rates), National Insurance (8% up to £50,270, 2% above), and all five Student Loan plan thresholds.
Your "true" working hours = contract hours + commute + unpaid breaks + prep time. Annual hours calculated as 52 weeks minus your leave entitlement.
Commute costs and work clothing are deducted from take-home pay before calculating your effective hourly rate.
Between £100,000 and £125,140, you lose £1 of Personal Allowance for every £2 earned, creating an effective 60% marginal rate (67.5% in Scotland).
For illustrative purposes only. Consult a qualified accountant for personal tax advice.